Alex Collins decommits Miami; Is FSU next for S. Plantation RB?

Could FSU be next in line for South Plantation running back Alex Collins, who decommitted from Miami on Wednesday (Nov. 7).

Could FSU be next in line for South Plantation running back Alex Collins, who decommitted from Miami on Wednesday (Nov. 7). (CHRIS HAYS / ORLANDO SENTINEL)

It's been speculated for more than six months that prize South Plantation running back Alex Collins would be reneging on his commitment to the University of Miami and finally Wednesday, that prediction came true.

247sports.com reported that Collins told the UM coaching staff on Wednesday he is no longer considering the 'Canes his top option, leaving the door open for the remainder of speculation that Collins is all but signed to be a Florida State Seminole.

Collins, whose team qualified for the Class 8A state playoffs with a District 11 shootout win over Deerfield Beach in overtime on Monday night, seems closer than ever to pulling the trigger on an FSU commitment. Teammate and good friend ATH John Franklin, who quarterbacks the Paladins, committed to the Seminoles last week and it's highly likely that Collins will follow.

The 5-foot-11, 207-pound Collins took an official visit to Florida State three weeks ago for the Seminoles rout of Boston College. He has also visited Wisconsin. Both FSU and Wisconsin already have one running back each committed to the 2013 class, but would welcome Collins, the top runner in Broward County last season. Collins has rushed for 1,263 yards this season, not counting Monday night's shootout.

FSU's lone running back commit, so far, is Ryan Green of St. Pete Catholic. Green played just one game this season before deciding to have surgery on a lingering shoulder issue. His father, Vader Green, said two weeks ago that the procedure on his torn labrum went well and that Ryan had already been cleared for workouts. He is also a standout basketball player.

Green, an Under Armour All-American Game selection, said he plans to play in the annual all-star game at St. Petersburg's Tropicana Field, Jan. 4.

FSU is currently shopping for one more back in the 2013 class, with Collins being the front-runner. The Seminoles have also shown interest in A.J. Turman of Orlando Boone and Greg Bryant of Delray Beach American Heritage, but those two will be an afterthought if Collins holds true to the speculation.

This time, something strange and wonderful happened. The skies cleared, the rain stopped and the starving blind man gorged himself on a much-needed victory and finally regained his sight ¿ the vision of making the playoffs.